Here's the Gist
I am the author of this guide, and I want to help you master clipping into and out of spin bike pedals like a pro. Quality cycling shoes can significantly improve your exercise output and protect your joints, but using them takes some practice.
- Indoor spin bikes almost always use SPD pedals, so select SPD-compatible shoes featuring a flat, stiff sole rather than a flexible outdoor sole.
- To clip in, put your dominant leg at the bottom, catch the front of the pedal, and push your heel down until it clicks.
- To unclip, keep your pedal parallel to the floor at the bottom of the stroke and sharply twist your heel outward from the bike.
- Routinely check your cleat screws for looseness, because loose screws eliminate tension and can leave your shoe stuck after a few rides.
- Keep an Allen wrench in your gym bag so you can pull the pedal spring toward the aft of the bike if you get stuck.
Are you ready to take your cycling to the next level but have never used a pair of cycling shoes? Including quality cycling shoes in your gear can make a significant impact not only on your exercise output but also easier on your joints. So get ready to follow our tips on how to clip into & out the SPD pedals of a spin bike like a pro in no time.
Check out our video on how to clip in and out of spin bike pedals!
Cycling Shoe Options
Did you know that not all cycling shoes are the same? Although the overall look of the shoes is relatively similar, the cleat portion can feature either a Look Delta (also known as SPD-SL) or an SPD option. Indoor cycling bikes almost always have an SPD pedal, so most of the time you should have a pair of SPD shoes.
Some popular mixed cycling shoes are also compatible with both SPD and SPD-SL cleats.
So, if you plan to ride at a local studio or gym, find out what pedal option you will use. Also, select a shoe with a flat and stiff sole for indoor riding compared to a more flexible sole for outdoor riding that includes tread.
How to Clip in on Spin Bike Pedals
To clip into spin bike pedals, follow these four steps.
- First, begin by sitting on the bike saddle and moving your dominant leg to the bottom of the pedal stroke.
- Next, line up your clip with the front SPD pedal.
- Then, lift your heel, securing the top of your clip into the SPD pedal. The first few times, this step might take a little longer.
- Finally, pop your heel down to secure the back of your clip into the pedal until you hear a clicking sound.
Once you feel that you have secured your cycling shoes into the bracket, slowly test that your shoe is in the clip frame firmly while pedaling in the saddle.
How to Unclip of Spin Bike Pedals
Follow these steps to clip out of the spin bike pedals.
- First, begin by sitting on the bike saddle and moving your dominant leg to the bottom of the pedal stroke.
- Next, ensure that the pedal is parallel to the floor
- Then, sharply pop your heel out to the side, away from the bike, until you hear a click and the pedal clip releases. You might feel like you will break your shoe, but if the clip is tight, there is nothing to worry about.
- Finally, rotate your pedals and repeat on the other side.
Inside Tip with New Cleats
I wanted to share this story so you can avoid the embarrassing situation I encountered as a new cycling shoe owner. When I first got into cycling, I decided to invest in my first pair of cycling shoes. I made sure that my clips were tightly secured before my first class. However, little did I know the screws holding the SPDs on my shoe would loosen after a few classes and what could happen. After riding about my third or fourth class in my new shoes, I went to unclick from my bike, and I couldn’t. Since the clips had loosened, there was not enough tension for me to be able to release my shoe. Therefore, my shoe was stuck! We will tell you in the next section what to do if this happens to you.
So, just make sure you continue checking the tightness of your clips. One indication that it is time to tighten them is how much play you have where the actual clip is located. If you can feel the clip wiggling more than your shoe, it is time to tighten them.
What to Do if Your Shoe Gets Stuck
Although the clipless shoe design has drastically decreased how often cycling shoes get stuck, it still happens. Since the toolbox is not always easily accessible at the gym, I always carry a set of allen wrenches in my gym bag. If you are stuck, use an allen wrench to pull the spring at the bottom of the clip towards the aft of the bike. This process will release the shoe.
Bottom Line
The biggest hurdle when you are new to clicking in and out of a bike pedal is getting comfortable doing so. The first dozen times might feel unnatural and awkward, but it will get easier the more you do it. Before long, you will not have to think about the steps for clipping in and out, but it will come second nature.
Quick Answers
What type of cycling shoes do I need for a spin bike?
Indoor cycling bikes almost always have SPD pedals, so you will usually need SPD shoes, or mixed cycling shoes compatible with both SPD and SPD-SL cleats. When riding indoors, I recommend selecting shoes with a flat and stiff sole rather than a flexible outdoor sole with tread.
How do you clip into spin bike pedals?
Sit on the saddle with your dominant leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Line up your clip with the front SPD pedal, lift your heel to secure the front of the cleat, and pop your heel down until you hear a click. Gently pedal in the saddle to ensure it is locked in.
How do you unclip shoes from a spin bike?
Sit on the bike saddle with your dominant leg at the bottom and make sure the pedal is parallel to the floor. Sharply pop your heel out to the side, away from the bike, until you hear a click and the pedal clip releases. Rotate the pedals and repeat for the other foot.
Why is my cycling shoe stuck in the spin bike pedal?
Your shoe is likely stuck because the screws holding your SPD cleat have loosened. When the clip is loose, there is not enough tension to release your shoe when you twist your foot. Check your clips regularly; if the clip wiggles more than your shoe, it is time to tighten it.
How do you get a stuck cycling shoe out of a pedal?
I always carry a set of allen wrenches in my gym bag just in case this happens. If your shoe gets stuck, take an allen wrench and use it to pull the spring at the bottom of the clip toward the aft of the bike. This will release your shoe.
